2000 Caterham 21 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Caterham 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Caterham 21 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2011 BMW 120. (154 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 985 kg more than 2000 Caterham 21.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2000 Caterham 21 (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Caterham | BMW |
| Model | 21 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 53 L |
